I am fortunate to live in NJ but also have a vacation home in Sarasota, Fl. While my "real life" is in NJ, I LOVE going down and spending time in Florida--especially in January and February when I'm up to my knees in snow! As far as culture goes, I enjoy the opera in Florida as much as the Met in NY and Sarasota offers a tremendous opportunity for cultural experiences. The people I meet are delightful and restaurants are plentiful and good. Would I move there permanently? No, because my family is in Jersey, but if they all moved down there, I'm sure I could have a great life enjoying beautiful weather most of the year and the slower pace. You make your own happiness--wherever you live!